The Zeme Council Northeast India (ZCNEI) expressed gratitude to all landowners who have generously provided No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction of NH-137 without compensation.
The council in a statement said, “by prioritising the road over land compensation, you have demonstrated remarkable selflessness, recognizing the critical importance of this road for the well-being of our people living in the most treacherous road conditions in Tousem areas.”
The council also praised the concerned department administrators for their tireless efforts to transform the long-held aspirations of the people of Tousem into reality. “Your dedication to enhancing the lives of our people is truly commendable”, the statement added.
Zeme Council Northeast India said the people of Tousem area have endured the most appalling road conditions since time immemorial, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.
Even today, residents are forced to carry the sick person on the bamboo stretchers to the district hospital. In the absence of a proper road has impeded the functioning of the Sub-Divisional Headquarters, including healthcare centre and SDO office.
Furthermore, many people are living below the poverty line due to these circumstances. It is irrefutable that Tousem sub division has the most deplorable road conditions compared to the rest of India’s subdivisions, the council said.
Providing NOC for the construction of NH 137 without compensation is a challenge for the people of Tousem and it has prioritised the construction of the road over land compensation, it mentioned.
“As the apex body of the Zeme community, the Zeme Council Northeast India supports the seamless completion of the road project without any disruptions. We trust that the generous landowners who provided NOC will uphold their commitment,” the statement said.
Unfortunately, some groups are disrupting the construction agencies, claiming compensation, despite having provided NOC 2 years ago, the council lamented.
Zeme Council Northeast India emphasizes that trustworthiness is vital for development and community growth. The road is a people’s project, brought about by the people themselves, with every household having signed in support of the road without compensation.
The Zeme Council Northeast India appealed to all organisations and individuals to refrain from disrupting the ongoing construction of the Tamenglong-Mahur Road (NH-137).
This vital road plays a pivotal role in integrating the Zeliangrong people and the broader Naga community living in Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. The road will also generate revenue and drive socio-economic development in our region.
The council also urged the construction agencies to maintain quality, sincerity, and dedication in their work, ensuring the project’s timely completion. Further, the council also reminds the agencies to initiate the construction of subsidy roads/spark roads, as initially agreed upon, to satisfy the needs of the local population.
